Dental Hygiene

Master of Science: Program Competencies

Competencies define the abilities expected of the graduate of the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program. These competencies reflect knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

1. Diversity, Social, & Cultural Sensitivity:Refers to the ability to engage and interact with individuals and groups across and within diverse communities and cultures in an effective and respectful manner.

1-1. Recognize the impact of health status and ability, age, gender, ethnicity, social, economic, and cultural factors on health and disease, health beliefs and attitudes, health literacy and the determinants of health.

1-2. Identify the needs of vulnerable populations and communities to prevent and control oral diseases and reduce health disparities.

2. Health Care Policy, Interprofessional Collaboration, & Advocacy:Refers to the understanding of policy and its development, the value of collegiality and inter-professional collaboration and advocacy related to the promotion of health, education and the profession of dental hygiene.

2-1. Examine legislative and regulatory processes that influence and determine policy, health priorities, and funding for healthcare and education programs.

2-2. Determine evidence and data needed to support the development of new workforce models including their impact on oral health and overall health from a policy perspective.

2-3. Establish and promote interprofessional collaborations with other professionals, interest groups, and social service agencies to promote and restore health.

3. Health Promotion & Disease Prevention:Refers to all aspects of health promotion, risk assessment and reduction, and education of individuals, families and communities in the promotion of optimal oral health and its relationship to general health.

6. Scholarly Inquiry & Research:Relates to the ability to utilize scientific theory, research methodology and research findings, as well as critical and reflective thinking for clinical and/or organizational evidence-based decision making.

6-1. Apply the scientific method to an identified problem.

6-2. Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from the research literature to guide problem solving and evidence-based decision making.

6-3. Synthesize information from evidence-based literature and apply to a community health, education, clinical practice, and/or research problem.

6-4. Design and implement a scholarly project in an area of emphasis.

6-5. Disseminate new knowledge and contribute to best practices in the profession.

7. Educational Theory & Practice:Relates to the use of evidence-based educational theory and instructional design to prepare educators to serve in diverse settings and to promote excellence in dental hygiene education and practice.

7-1. Use educational theory and teaching principles to develop and deliver information to diverse populations.

7-2. Identify/analyze/evaluate the role of dental hygiene education in higher education and health care.

7-3. Demonstrate the educational preparation and professional development to assume responsibilities in dental hygiene education.

Adapted from Core Competencies for Graduate Dental Hygiene Education available from American Dental Education Association (ADEA) or American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA):